Tag Archives: Cllr Chris Blakeley

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Council (Extraordinary) (Wirral Council) 30th April 2013 | Revisions to the Constitution | Cllr Blakeley “Where will it end, what next? Will Wirral be twinned with Pyongyang?”


Continued from Council (Extraordinary) (Wirral Council) 30th April 2013 | Revisions to the Constitution | Cllr Harney “We don’t know where we came from, we don’t know where we’re going”

Council (Extraordinary) (Wirral Council) 30th April 2013 | Revisions to the Constitution | Cllr Blakeley “Where will it end, what next? Will Wirral be twinned with Pyongyang?”

Council meeting (Extraordinary) 30th April 2013 Revisions to the Constitution Cllr Chris Blakeley

The Mayor thanked Cllr Harney, he asked councillors to keep their speeches to three minutes so that everyone who wanted to could have a say.

Cllr Blakeley said he would stick to three minutes. He said that twelve years ago when the Cabinet form of local government had been started, there was a select committee for each portfolio. This was so there would be no overlap and Cabinet Members were invited along to be asked questions, he said “everything seemed to work ok”.

These were deemed to be “too unwieldy” and “taking too much of officer’s time” so they were reduced to six, although there were some overlapping responsibilities it “was in the main manageable and workable”. Now they [the Labour administration] wanted to cut six committees to three, which Cllr Blakeley regarded as “extremely dangerous”. Cllr Blakeley referred to the Children and Young Peoples Overview and Scrutiny Committee and high-profile cases that had happened in other Boroughs such as Victoria Climbié and Baby P.

He asked them not to forget the overcharging of vulnerable adults on Wirral. He said the new committee would have to “scrutinise these two vast departments”. Cllr Blakeley said, “This is typical of Labour’s control freak dictatorial ‘We know what’s best’ capacity”.

He said that Area Forums made a difference by “giving local people a real opportunity to have a say”, “yet here we have Labour wanting to grab power back to the centre” and that the new constituency committees would be given a “token amount of funding” far less than the funding to the Area Forums they replaced. Cllr Blakeley said it was a “failure to understand what people of this Borough want”.

On the changes to Council meeting procedures, he said if it went through it would “effectively gag councillors from debate in the Council Chamber and put even greater power in Labour’s hands”. Cllr Blakeley said, “Sadly tonight Mr. Mayor, we are witnessing the destruction of the last vestiges of democracy in Wirral and the residents of this Borough will be ruled by a controlling, tyrannical Labour Group”.

He referred to the refusal of the £1.3 million Council Tax Freeze Grant, increases to car parking charges, the brown bin charges and asked “Where will it end, what next? Will Wirral be twinned with Pyongyang?”

Continued at Council (Extraordinary) (Wirral Council) 30th April 2013 | Revisions to the Constitution | Cllr Foulkes “it was the committee system that actually put in the policies that led to the overcharging within the Klonowski report”.

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Standards Committee (Wirral Council) 19th November 2012 Part 1 Councillors debate the complaints system


Present
Standards Committee
Independent
Mr Brian Cummings MBE
Mr David Robert Burgess-Joyce
Mr Chris Jones
Prof Ronald Samuel Jones
Labour
Cllr Denise Roberts
Cllr Bill Davies
Cllr John Salter
Cllr Steve Foulkes deputy for Cllr Moira McLaughlin
Cllr Chris Meaden deputy for Cllr Ron Abbey
Conservative
Cllr Chris Blakeley
Cllr Les Rowlands
Cllr Leah Fraser

Wirral Council Officers
Surjit Tour
Shirley Hudspeth
Geoff Paterson

Apologies for the ~19 minutes missing from the start of the meeting. No declarations of interest were made and the minutes of the meeting held on the 3rd July 2012 were agreed. In item 3, it was agreed that one of the independent persons sit on the Standards Working Group.

Surjit Tour introduced his report on whether reports made in response to complaints about councillors between 2008 and 2012 could be made public and the legal framework.

Cllr Foulkes declared asked if as a person who had made a complaint or had had a complaint made against them, did this mean he had to declare a conflict of interest?

Surjit Tour answered that it wasn’t a prejudicial interest, but it didn’t prevent him declaring a personal interest.

Cllr Foulkes declared a personal interest, so did Cllr Blakeley, Cllr Roberts, Cllr Salter and Cllr Rowlands (who then asked for a blanket personal interest to be recorded for everyone that fell into this category).

Surjit Tour continued summarising his report, detailing the legislation and the consequences he felt would arise from publishing reports (as outlined in 2.f(i) of his report), ranging from “unwanted media attention”, discouraging legitimate complaints and other reasons.

Cllr Blakeley asked about the obligation to publish in the local press the findings unless the councillor stated they didn’t want this to happen, he asked if the person who was the subject of the complaint consented to disclosure could the report be published?

Surjit Tour stated this would require the consent of the other parties. This is the point at which the video of the meeting starts.

Cllr Blakeley said, “It is very easy for people to make complaints, and just get away with it because they’ve submitted a complaint and there’s no case to answer, the person complained against is subject to an investigation, been put through that stress and turmoil and the complainant just walks away with a smile on their face, so I think the complainant should have to take some flak if there is no case to answer.”

Surjit Tour responded to Cllr Blakeley’s comments.

Cllr Foulkes said, “… I think the Council’s reputation is bad enough at the moment, with more difficult things at hand, do we want to invent another mechanism for dredging up stuff that’s gone on many, many years previous to that? … Imagine the position where picking out where we have someone who is a persistent complainant or someone who may have a different view of the world, and continually complains, with the knowledge that whatever they say would find the light of day?

We all know that subsequently we have a press that report things, they don’t report things to make it you know uninteresting, they will use any lurid issues or any lurid accusations that the complainant makes during the complaint process and a little paragraph at the end reading “no case to answer” so, so we have all the public glare of something that might have been … not to say the complaint was vexatious, but there was no case to answer and you have the whole story of the whole complaint aired in public, and we all know how the press … and if we all know what the rules are from now on, that there is an extreme likelihood, a high percentage that the findings and the report itself may find in the public gaze, then that’s how we’re all entering the whole system of complainants and those who’ve been complained against but I think it’s a little bit unfair to retrospectively to publish past reports…”

Surjit Tour pointed out that s.63 of the Local Government Act 2000 c.22 still applies to information obtained during an investigation and that confidentiality still applies.

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Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority – Minutes (30th January 2012) Acquisition of Wirral Tramway and Associated Assets


On the 29th March 2012, Wirral Council’s Cabinet received a report on the outcome of the Tender Exercise. Merseytravel had changed their minds about bidding on the 1st February (two days after the meeting that these are the minutes for). The reason/s behind this are partly in the resolution and in the papers and resolutions at its meeting of the 9th February 2012 as between 30th January 2012 and the 1st February 2012 Merseytravel realised how difficult a financial situation they were in, following the papers being published for the 9th February 2012 Budget meeting on the 1st February 2012.

Note: below is the official minutes of the meeting (not my own notes) from the 30/1/2012 meeting and were approved at its meeting on 9th February 2012. I wish I’d discovered that Merseytravel had started putting the minutes on a website before typing it up! Links to he report about the Wirral Tramway and Appendices on Merseytravel’s website are below.

Acquisition of Wirral Tramway and Associated Assets CX/16/12

Acquisition of Wirral Tramway and Associated Assets CX/16/12 Appendix 1

Acquisition of Wirral Tramway and Associated Assets CX/16/12 Appendix 2

Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority

Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority

30 January 2012

Present: Councillor M Dowd, Chair
Councillor A Dean, Deputy Chair

Councillors R Abbey, C Blakeley, G Friel, S Glover,
J Hanson, A Makinson, K McGlashan, M Murphy,
M Quinn, M Rasmussen, L Robinson, L Rowlands,
P Walton

Also Attended

Councillor S Foulkes – Leader Wirral Metropolitan
Borough Council,
Councillor R Round Leader Knowsley Metropolitan
Borough Council and
Councillor B Grunewald Deputy Leader St Helens
Metropolitan Borough Council

—————————————————————————————————————————-

Apologies for absence were submitted by
Councillors J Dodd, B Griffiths, J Salter, D Callan, T Elwood
C Roberts, Councillor J Anderson (Leader, Liverpool City Council)
and Councillor P Dowd (Leader, Sefton Metropolitan Borough
Council)

——————————————————————————————

78.   Local Transport Plan Delivery, Bus and Merseytram Committee

Resolved that the minutes of the Local Transport Plan Delivery, Bus and Merseytram Committee held on the 8 January 2012 be approved insofar as they require the approval of the Authority.

Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority

79.   People, Organisational Development and Governance Delivery
          Committee

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting of the People, Organisational Development and Governance Delivery Committee held on the 10 January 2012 be approved insofar as they require the approval of the Authority.

80.   Tunnels, Ferries and Visitor Economy Committee

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting of the Tunnels, Ferries and Visitor Economy Committee held on the 12 January 2012 be approved insofar as they require the approval of the Authority.

81.   Corporate Social Responsibility Committee

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee held on the 12 January 2012 be approved insofar as they require the approval of the Authority.

82.   Rail Services Committee

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting of the Rail Services Committee held on the 11 January 2012 be approved insofar as they require the approval of the Authority.

83.   Policy and Delivery – Review Committee

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting of the Policy and Delivery – Review Committee held on the 19 January 2012 be approved insofar as they require the approval of the Authority.

84.   Strategy and Finance Committee

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting of the Strategy and Finance Committee held on the 19 January 2012 be approved insofar as they require the approval of the Authority.

Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority

85.   Urgency Sub – Committee

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting of the Urgency Sub – Committee held on the 12 January 2012 be approved insofar as they require the approval of the Authority.

86.   Acquisition of Wirral Tramway and Associates Assets
(CX/16/12)
———————————————————————————————————————-
Councillors R Abbey, C Blakeley and L Rowlands together with Councillor S Foulkes (visiting Wirral Metropolitan Council Leader) all declared a personal interest as members of Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council.
———————————————————————————————————————-

The Authority considered a report of the Director of Resources regarding the Acquisition of Wirral Tramway and Associated Assets. Together with presentations from Mr Richard Mawdsley (The Peel Group) and Mr Scott McIntosh (Mott McDonald) and a verbal update from Mr. Steve Cook (Merseytravel’s Forward Planning Officer) (copies attached to these minutes).

Mr. R Mawdsley in his presentation gave a brief background history to The Peel Group as a company; its development around Salford Quays and the vision for Wirral Waters; The Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone and Peel International Trade Centre and its goal to redress the balance around local investment on both sides of the River Mersey. This was the hope that from the investment, especially with the Trade Centre, 700 jobs will be created. The Wirral Waters projects was seen as a 30 year initiative that the time line of which could not be specified however Wirral Waters and Liverpool Waters were seen as sister projects. The tramway was envisaged an exemplar part of the scheme supported by the Government which it was envisaged would assist in increasing patronage to the Rail and Ferry services as well as a Visitor Economy for the Merseytravel attractions.

Mr. Steven Cook outlined to the Authority the transport planning all aspects for the Wirral Waters and how officers from relevant departments of Merseytravel were

Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority

working together to achieve this Section 106 Agreement. The Agreement was for 25 years however the project had a number of variables and timescales were not set, therefore it was a challenge and a Steering Group consisting of Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council Officers, Peel, the Highways Agency and Merseytravel had been established.

There had been agreement on rail infrastructure development; bus service links from Birkenhead to Seacombe; park and ride; protection of railway line and a figure of £15.4 million had been reached to ensure the East Float area was sustainable. Due to the lack of a timescale the agreement was based on a time if arrangement, so as they were built monies were released.
The Authority then received a presentation by Scott Macintosh and from Mott McDonald. (Copy of presentation attached to these minutes). The key message from the presentation was that it was considered a one off business opportunity, the tram industry were excited by the prospects and there was a lot of interest, including offers of assistance of second hand equipment and some European tramway operators. The Government too were interested in the project.

Cllr Dowd thanked those who had presented and opened the floor to Members and invited Leaders for questions and comments.

Cllr Ann Murphy commented on the ‘deja vu’ aspect of the debate and previous aspirations have been dashed, disciplinary was also expressed at the lack of reference to the whole of Merseyside in the benefits of the projects as all would be contributing to the finance.

Cllr A Makinson enquired that as the current and tender was for the Heritage Tramway and the suggestion was to develop to a commuter service it must be acknowledged that the heritage trams would not meet commercial, environmental or statutory standards, so what would be the implications and the extra costs.

The Director of Resources confirmed that Officers would ensure that the trams met statutory requirements.

Councillor R Abbey commented that the previous scheme had been let down politically and a Merseywide approach

Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority

had always been taken by the Authority as shown by the support for the Liverpool/Knowsley tram project. However before commitment to the project it had been proven to be deliverable on sound financial reasoning.

Councillors G Friel welcomed the presentation however he felt it did not answer his concerns. If Government supported as suggested how did this reconcile with the reduced funding for Local Authorities, the impact of which was cuts to vital services together with the reduced finance to the Transport authorities.

Councillor J Hanson thanked those presenting and commented that Merseytravel wanted to do what it could to support Wirral and Liverpool Waters but expressed concern at the lack of timescales. There could be a 10 year buy in but nothing happening due to the 20 – 30 year nature of the project. It will be £2.5 million with nothing to show and money that Merseytravel and the District Authorities would need to find at a very challenging time. The amount was not a real issue to all lecture members. There were also a number of concerns with regard to finance and revenue commitment. More information was required he felt before any commitment or bid could be considered.

Councillor A Dean also wished to thank the presenters and felt the report came a little closer to the issues but once again fell short of all the information required before any real decision could be made. There seemed to be a change in emphasis to the Wirral Waters project. Councillor Dean had real concerns around the rolling stock and the continuing ‘make do’ for Merseytravel with someone else’s ‘cast offs’. If project does get approval the stock must be of quality he did not want hidden charges arrangements of maintenance or obsolete kit. If the tram was so key to the Wirral Waters project why was it not included in the section 106 agreement. The District were picking up the bill for the last tram project which had political support withdrawn.

The costs needed to be properly detailed and clarity was required that it was a lot of money £2.5 million pounds which the District Councils and Merseytravel could use in other areas, a decision could not be made on potential costs. Some of the comments in the presentation, re patronage had no evidence base and a failure to meet predictions would add further to the cost, he felt clarity was required.

Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority

Councillor M Quinn welcomed the report, it was a lot clearer than previous but did raise concerns. The Local Transport Plan 3 (LTP 3) was the aspirational wishes for transport, this scheme was not within the plan, if cannot match aspiration how can the authority be expected to take on new projects. From previous experience costs can escalate, more financial clarity was required. With regard to all of the offers, why? And would they be available to other bidders, so what was the value. The previous projects £70 million was still being paid for and the present scheme had no reference to revenue cost. The money may be better spent supporting the bus network and getting people to work.

Cllr L Robinson echoed Members thanks and expressed full commitment to a World Class region and world class service but signficant concerns with the business plan. There was a concerns around people having to change modes of transport, from personal experience of working the industry commuters want a point to point system and Salford to Manchester City tram patronage referred to was not great.

Councillor K. McGlashan supported Councillor J Hanson’s comments but all sat as Members of the Integrated Transport Authority and must view projects in a fresh light with the regional perspective. The Authority wished to provide a good transport system for all the people on Merseyside including trams if appropriate but needed to have the full information before any ‘leap of faith’.

Councillor L Rowlands supported Councillor K McGlashan’s comments and felt the presentation filled some of the information not previously received, however drew Members’ attention to the fact that Merseytravel had not reached its current position without being visionary and being able to take a 30 year view. It was acknowledged that more information was required however support for this project would not only be support for Wirral Waters but also Liverpool Waters. The vision could help the patronage levels for the Ferries and other Merseytravel attractions. Councillor Rowlands felt a decision should not be made until the Authority had the full details but Members should not forget how to look to the future.

Councillor C Blakeley thanked those presenting supported the comments are looking at the project with the ‘vision’ shown previously by the Authority and felt it

Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority

was sustainable and would add to the region not just Wirral Waters. Although no recommendation in the report reading the conclusion Officers would welcome opportunity to bid however all were aware that business case and cost need further work. Councilor Blakeley did not at this time wish to close the door on the opportunity to bid.

The Director of Resources confirmed that the business case did require more work it was out of date and needed testing and he would suggest than an external firm be commissioned as he did not currently have the staff resources.

Councillor S Glover drew Members attention back to the core business of the Authority to concentrate on transport. Tourism was an ‘add on’ but if appropriate then any time project should be a first class 21st century system, with new 21st century kit. If all was second hand then it followed that there would be an impact on reliability. The business case had not been completed and therefore he felt it could not go forward. However if the Authority wished to progress with the project it should have new stock and equipment; a proper business plan; commitment from national level and provide of service fit for this century. Once in place then all could look to get similar provision for the other side of the river.

Councillor B Grunewald, Deputy Leader, St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council, thanked the meeting for the invite and acknowledged that Merseytravel had a long history of taking strategic decisions, but any ‘leap of faith’ could not be taken without hard facts and on reading the papers there was amazement that Members were being asked to make decisions without all the facts and figures. Support would be difficult in light of the lack of clarity.

The District Leaders and representatives were invited if they wish to, to make comments by the Authorities.

Councillor S Foulkes, Leader Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council also thanked the Authority for the invite. Wirral welcomed all bids and recognised that the waterfronts were linked and it was customers who set their own boundaries. All were aware of Merseytravel’s bad experience in the past and the the City Region had not been recognized as one which could achieve the big projects however with the success of Liverpool One this perception had to change. There was a need to be brave

Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority

and visionary, the future job prospects of the waterfront developments were for all of Merseyside. Merseytravel did have the experience and skill set said to be a bidder. It was accepted that Members may be wary especially in these challenging times. The project sat well with Merseytravel’s other attractions at Woodside and Merseytravel was used to partnership working. Councillor Foulkes encourage the Authority to submit a bid of think big.

Councillor R Round, Leader of Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, also thanked the Authority for the invite and opportunity to add his comments to those of the other representatives. Councillor Round had seen Peels presentations on a number of occasions and was still impressed by the project, he appreciated that the Authority was going through the same financial challenges and considerations as the District Councils. He accepted that the previous experience of Government support had been very disappointing however felt that the City Region needed to think big too and commented he would like to see the tram run the full length of the river.

It was a very difficult decision but through bidding Councillor Round felt that the Authority would show support to the regeneration of both sides of the river it would show vision, as he was sure that if successful Merseytravel would operate it well and would provide employment opportunities. Therefore he would wish to encourage the Authority to put in a bid.

The Director of Resources confirm that the Authority were already supported Wirral Waters through the Section 106 Agreement however Members needed to be confident in the business plan, good governance would require something more robust than currently available.

With regard to timescales for the bid, it was confirmed that all bids had to be submitted by 3rd of February, 2012.

Councillor M Dowd once again confirmed that Authority were totally supportive of the Wirral and Liverpool Waters schemes and it was good to hear that the project had Government support. The Authority did not want to shut doors and if the Government were serious then it may be productive to send an all party delegation to see if funding was forthcoming.

Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority

Councillor A Dean once again urged caution as there was still detail missing from the report, the business case needed to be revisited.

Region Mawdsley, Peel Holdings offered financial support of 50% towards the costs of the business case, in light of the financial challenges and Scott McIntosh, Mott McDonald, offered his personal time if required.

The Authority thanked all for their time and contribution to date.

It was felt that without the business case a bid could not be submitted at this time however so as not to shut the door completely the Chair moved the following motion viz:-

Motion by Councillor M Dowd seconded by councillor A Dean.

‘That

(a) the Authority give its in principle support to a bid subject however to a more rigorous assessment of the business case by an external firm of accountants such assessment to take into account the reservations and concerns expressed at this meeting;

(b) the offer from Peel to fund 50% of the cost, for this assessment be welcomed and accepted;

(c) the cost of any such assessment be capped at £50,000;

(d) the results of this assessment be reported if necessary to a special meeting of the Authority as soon as possible;

(e) subject to all of the above an all party delegation to government be approved to seek contributory funding for any bid which is submitted.’

The Motion was then put and carried unanimously and was Resolved Accordingly.

CHAIR

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Merseyside Police Authority (30th August 2012) Declarations of Interests, Minutes, Chairman’s Announcements, Minutes of Meetings, Collaboration Agreement for the National Police Air Service Part 1


Merseyside Police Volvo

Merseyside Police Volvo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The papers for this meeting can be found on the Merseyside Police Authority website apart from item 5 (Joint Report of the Chief Executive and Chief Constable) National Police Air Service: Collaboration Agreement (4 pages) (Page 1 of 4, Page 2 of 4, Page 3 of 4, Page 4 of 4, item 4G (minutes of the Grant Making Panel (Police Property Act Fund) of 23rd August 2012) (5 pages, Page 1 of 5), and 4H (minutes of the Transition Committee of the 23 August 2012) (3 pages). Copies were available at the meeting itself.

The former Mayor, Cllr Moira McLaughlin arrived in plenty of time at 1.39pm, as the meeting started a few minutes late at 2.04pm. Including the Police Authority Members (and staff), Merseyside Police officers (and staff) and public there were about forty people present.

The Chair, Cllr Weightman (Labour, Knowsley Council) welcomed Members of the Police Authority and public to the meeting. He asked for apologies.

Apologies were given for the only Conservative Councillor on the Police Authority, Cllr Blakeley (Wirral Council), Labour Cllr Frank Prendergast (Liverpool City Council), Mr Tom Kelly (Independent) and another Member of the Police Authority.

1. Declarations of Interest

The Chair, Cllr Weightman  asked for any declarations of interest.

A Member of the Police Authority declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 4G (minutes of the Grant Making Panel (Police Property Act Fund) of 23rd August 2012) as his interest was regards to one of the grants.

A Member of the Police Authority declared a personal interest in item 4F (minutes of the Estate Strategy Committee of the 16th August 2012) because it referred to the Joint Command and Control facility as Sefton Council may sell the Police Authority the land.

The Chair said these interests were noted, where there any others?

2. Minutes (Merseyside Police Authority, 21st June 2012)

The minutes of the meeting held on the 21st June 2012 were agreed as a correct record.

3. Chairman’s Announcements

The Chair said he had three things to raise. The first was that at the beginning of 2011, they had commissioned a training provider called The Learning Curve for management training. He said their aim was to build on existing skills that staff had, with an emphasis on organisational change and transferring to the new governance scheme. The Chair continued by saying that there had been the opportunity to do a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Management at level seven, which was a diploma consisting of two management units with a choice of optional subjects which counted as points towards the award. Cllr Weightman said it was equal to a Masters Degree and three staff (who he named as Paul Caton, June Hackett and Mark Turley) had gained this qualification, he congratulated them for taking the time to increase their qualifications.

Professor Alf Zack-Williams (Independent) also offered them his congratulations and said it was the essence of a good employer to have training facilities. He gave the example of a female cleaner, who within five years of starting work had gained a BSc (Hons) within five years after starting on an access course. Prof Williams said they were leaving a good legacy for the successor [to the Merseyside Police Authority].

The second announcement the Chair wanted to make was to remember Cath Kane who had retired after thirty-six years service. He said that Cath had written to him and mentioned the close relationship, hard work and dedication of Members of the Merseyside Police Authority. He proposed that they invite her to the next meeting to give a small presentation and hoped Members would support and agree to this.

The third announcement the Chair made was about the proposed farewell dinner and the issue of internal correspondence. He said it had been decided closed, but one Member had put this on the internet and was claiming credit for stopping the dinner. The Chair felt that this was not true as it had been a decision of Members of the whole Authority, an all-Member Authority decision, not the decision of one individual Member, which he wanted recorded in the minutes.

He moved the meeting onto agenda item 4.

4. Minutes of Meetings

4A The minutes of the Transition Committee of the 5th July 2012 were moved and agreed.

4B The minutes of the Service Improvement Committee of the 19th July 2012 were moved and agreed.

4C With reference to the minutes of the Finance and Audit Committee minutes of the 26th July 2012, on page 18, agenda item 5, resolution (iii) he wanted them to write to the Local Authorities with regards to changes in Council Tax Benefit and asked them to accept this change? They did.

4D The minutes of the Community Partnership Committee of the 2nd August 2012 were moved and agreed.

4E The minutes of the Performance Scrutiny and Review  Committee of the 9th August 2012 were moved and agreed.

A Member of the Police Authority having previously declared a prejudicial interest in item 4G left at this point.

4F The Chair asked for an amendment to the minutes of the Estate Strategy Committee meeting of the 5th July 2012 in respect of item 4. He wanted (a) to read rejects and (b) to read instructs the Chief Constable for a full and comprehensive report to the next meeting of this Committee. Another Member of the Police Authority said the amendment was in line with the mood of the meeting. The Chair asked if people were happy and the amendment and minutes were agreed.

4G The minutes of the Grant Making Panel meeting of the 23rd August 2012 were moved and agreed.

The Member of the Police Authority having declared a prejudicial interest who had left the room returned. The Chair thanked Julie for calling him back.

4H The Chair moved on to the minutes of the Transition Committee meeting of the 23rd August 2012 and drew people’s attention to item 13 which set up an Audit Committee and referred also to minute 12. The minutes were moved and agreed.

The Chair moved the meeting on to agenda item 5.

5. Collaboration Agreement for the National Police Air Service (Joint Report of the Chief Executive and Chief Constable)

Paul Johnson (Chief Executive/Treasurer) introduced the joint report (agenda item 5) of himself and the Chief Constable on the National Police Air Service: Collaboration Agreement.  He said that back in October [2011] they had had representations from Hampshire Constabulary regarding their willingness to enter a national collaboration, which they had agreed in principle.

A significant step had been to join the regional support air group which had led to savings. He wanted to clarify external perceptions with the public over the perceived loss of a helicopter. A major consideration had been the future of [the helicopter] G-XM11, as there was the expectation that they would donate it to the national pot, to be used as a general cover aircraft, but not as a free gift, but it would remain an asset on their balance sheet and be paid for. Paul Johnson had asked for a valuation and it had been valued at £800,000 to £900,000.

NPAS [National Police Air Service] had come back with a national agreement, but in June [2012] they had signed an agreement with the Norwegian Government on behalf of the Oslo Police Department, which had removed the final obstacle to signing up to NPAS. Beryl Heath and Chris Mar were going through the final agreement and they were more or less there, with the original deadline being tomorrow (the 31st August 2012), officers were working on the detail and there was confirmation on the third page at item five of the financial position. The lease to Norway, was not threatened by the NPAS agreement and NPAS had been helpful at approving the Norway situation. He was asking the Police Authority to authorise him and the Chief Constable to sign up to the agreement, once some small minor issues had been sorted.

Paul Johnson said that compared to other areas in the country it had been a wise decision to enter into regional arrangements, which had been ironed out last year. The issue of the redundant helicopter had been sorted out and hopefully there would not be a repeat of things suffered last year [in Norway]. He asked for authority from the Merseyside Police Authority.

The Chair said that there was a lot more to this for the region, but they wouldn’t be bullied by the Rt Hon Nick Herbert MP and the Home Office, they had done a deal with the Norwegian Government and got money back that they wouldn’t have received in the first place because it was old. All of the North West had gained as it had been extended from eight to twelve years, so the North West had got a good deal as Merseyside [Police Authority] had led the way. He said it was a “fait accompli” as a [statutory] instrument by the government said they had to, they could take out a lengthy court case but it would just waste money. The recommendation in the report was agreed.

The Chair then moved to agenda item 6 (Chief Constable’s Annual Report).

Continue to Merseyside Police Authority (30th August 2012) Part 2 Item 6 – Chief Constable’s Annual Report, 2011-12, Item 7 – Merseyside Crimestoppers Annual Report 2011/12 Part 2

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Update on Merseyside Police Authority positions for 2012 with respect of Wirral Council representatives


The following two councillors were chosen to represent Wirral Council on Merseyside Police Authority (which will be abolished in November 2012 to make way for the new Police and Crime Commissioner):-

Cllr Chris Blakeley (Con) (who replaced former Cllr Kate Wood) and
Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Lab) (who replaced Cllr Tony Smith)

Following the AGM of the Merseyside Police Authority on the 21st June 2012 they have been appointed to the following internal Merseyside Police Authority committees as well as an outside body each.

Cllr Chris Blakeley

Appointments Committee

Performance Scrutiny & Review Committee

Professional Standards Committee

Finance and Audit Committee

Service Improvement Committee

Transition Committee

Standards Committee

Estate Strategy Committee

Inspections Sub-Committee

Equality and Diversity Sub-Committee

Joint Police Officer and Joint Police Staff Consultative Committee

Police Pension Scheme – Scheme Manager Committee

Independent Member of Standards Committee – Selection Panel

Tender Opening Panel

Grant Making Panel (Police Property Act Fund)

Senior Officer Conduct Panel

Wirral Local Strategic Partnership (Outside Body Appointment)

Cllr Moira McLaughlin

Community Partnership Committee

Finance and Audit Committee

Estate Strategy Committee

Police Appeals Tribunal

Renumeration Appeals Panel

Wirral Community Safety Partnership (Outside Body Appointment)

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Merseytravel 9/2/2012 2012/13 Budget Meeting Mersey Tunnels, Mersey Ferries Limited subsidy


Everyone was present, so the Chair Cllr Mark Dowd started the meeting at 2.30pm by wishing everyone a very pleasant time. He asked for declarations of interest. Cllr Chris Blakeley declared an interest as a Fast Tag holder and an interest in item 5 as a recipient of allowances from Merseytravel.

The Chair declared an interest for everyone else in item 5. He asked if the minutes were ok? They were and agreed. The Chair then wanted to move a recommendation c in respect of the item on the Mersey Tunnel tolls. Cllr Chris Blakeley said he wished to move an amendment (which is below).

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AMENDMENTS SHEET

MERSEYSIDE INTEGRATED TRANSPORT AUTHORITY

Authority/Committee/Sub-Committee: Integrated Transport Authority Budget Meeting

Date: 09 February, 2012

Agenda Item/Minute No: Item 3 – Mersey Tunnel Tolls

Amendment moved by: Councillor Chris Blakeley. Seconded by: Cllr Les Rowlands

11 Recommendations

Accept all recommendations and add new clause (d)

(d) The Authority asks the Interim Director General / Director of Resources to investigate the cost implications, as well as any implications to the Tunnels Act 2004 of bring forward a further discount for Fast Tag users in order to reduce the burden of tolls on regular users of the Mersey Tunnels.      The results of that investigation to be brought back to an Authority meeting in October 2012 prior to the review of the Mersey Tunnel Tolls for 2013 as per the Tunnels Act 2004.

C/MISCELL / SR / DW

23rd July 1991

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He said he “won’t keep us too long” as he was not calling for tunnel tolls to be removed. He was not going to shout for immediate reductions. He felt that the 2004 Act had taken away some of their powers, as they couldn’t vote against an increase, but they did have the power to discount. He had trouble with the Tunnels Act but was delighted that tolls would not increase. The small reduction he asked for Fast Tag users had been circulated.

The Chair said Cllr Blakeley’s motion was ” ill-conceived” as the Tunnels Act had been agreed by Merseytravel before going to the House of Lords. He said they should be doing this anyway, so why do what they should be doing?

Another councillor said wasn’t Cllr Blakeley up for election, therefore wasn’t this political?

Cllr Blakeley said he moved an amendment every year and there was nothing peculiar.

The Chair asked for a vote on the amendment. Five voted for the amendment (including Cllr Blakeley and Cllr Rowlands). The others voted against the amendment so the amendment was lost.

All councillors ten voted in favour of the original motion.

The Chair moved the meeting onto the 2012/13 Budget.

Jim Barclay introduced the report.

A councillor asked where the £2.985 million grant came from for the ferries?

The answer given was that Mersey Ferries Limited was a limited company, the subsidy was reduced in order to trade in line with its constitution. He was thanked.

Another councillor pointed out an error on page 31 in the 4th paragraph. Jim apologised for the error.

The councillors approved the 2012/13 Budget unanimously.

The last report on the agenda was the independent review of Members Allowances. The Chair welcomed Professor Hall and also circulated a recommendation from the Labour Group to not accept an increase in the Basic Allowance or Chair’s Allowance.

Cllr Chris Blakeley welcomed what had been moved, but asked for clarification. Were they accepting the other recommendations?

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Scrutiny Programme Board 4th January 2012 Part 1, Declarations of Interest, Minutes


Present

Councillors
Cllr Andrew Hodson (Chair)
Cllr Simon Mountney (Vice-Chair)
Cllr Patricia Glasman (Spokesperson)
Cllr Ann Bridson (Spokesperson)
Cllr Ron Abbey
Cllr Chris Blakeley
Cllr Pat Hackett
Cllr Adam Sykes
Cllr Jerry Williams

Officers
Mark Delap, Committee Clerk
Surjit Tour, Head of Legal and Member Services
Another Wirral Council officer

Two members of the public.

The Chair, Cllr Andrew Hodson said good evening to everyone and commented on the fact that Cllr Bridson was looking better since he’d last seen her, but was not looking 100%.

Cllr Ron Abbey said there’d been no improvement in the Chair.

The Chair, Cllr Andrew Hodson said it had been three weeks since he’d seen Cllr Bridson and she looked a lot better. He asked those present to turn their mobile phones off. Cllr Hodson then asked councillors if they had any declarations of interest to make.

1. Declarations of Interest

Cllr Patricia Glasman asked for advice on a declaration of interest.

Cllr Tony Smith arrives late and apologised for being late.

Cllr Patricia Glasman says that it is about her role as Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the work of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Surjit Tour replied that it was up to Cllr Glasman if she wished to declare an interest.

2. Minutes

The Chair, Cllr Andrew Hodson asked if members of the Committee were happy with the minutes [of the meeting held on the 8th September 2011]

Cllr Bridson said on page three, the top item there was a summary of complaints made against councillors that had led to a vibrant discussion. She said she had asked for costs to be presented, this had been agreed and noted.

Surjit Tour said he was happy to give to councillors this information as soon as possible.

Cllr Bridson said it was important the public knew how much they were spending when making inappropriate complaints.

Cllr Blakeley said it had been referred to the Standards Committee.

Surjit Tour said he would check it and apologised.

Cllr Chris Blakeley said it had gone to the last Standards Committee meeting, however some final costs had yet to be decided.

The Chair, Cllr Hodson said he wanted it minuted.

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Standards Hearing Panel (Wirral Council) 21st November 2011 Part 1


Standards Hearing Panel (Wirral Council) 21/11/2011 9:15am

Present:
Independent (2)
Ken Harrison
Stella Elliott

Councillors (3)
Cllr Chris Blakeley (Conservative)
Cllr Bill Davies (Labour) arrived at 9:18am
Cllr Pat Williams (Lib Dem) arrived at 9:20am

Officers present:
Surjit Tour, Deputy Monitoring Officer representing Bill Norman (Monitoring Officer)
Shirley Hudspeth, Committee Services Officer & Clerk
Rosemary Lyons, Investigating Officer

Press/Public:
Denis Knowles
John Brace (press)
Leonora Brace

The meeting started late (instead of at 9.15am) due to not all of the panel being present and some councillors (who were late) missing extra paperwork handed out which was handed out to those who were late along with an explanation.

The meeting started with Ken Harrison saying “Good morning” and explaining that as Vice-Chair of the Standards Committee he would be chairing the panel. He explained there was a problem which would mean the meeting would be deferred to a further date Ed – which turned out to be two months later on 24th January 2012. This was because of further paperwork which they needed time to act upon and digest, otherwise it would not be fair to Mr. Knowles and the public. Ken Harrison apologised for the waste of time, which he had no control over.

Denis Knowles asked if this was further evidence that Ken Harrison had referred to?

Cllr Chris Blakeley said it referred to reference material, specifically appendix 1 and 2. He said it was “outrageous”.

Surjit Tour said in answer to Denis Knowles’s question, “No”.

Cllr Chris Blakeley said they had “acted terribly”, that three minutes before the meeting was to start paperwork had been handed out. He said he would be writing to Bill Norman [Monitoring Officer] about the Legal Department’s approach.

Denis Knowles said he was “only a pawn”, that he “fully understands”, that it was “not fair on you” and that he was “happy to come back”.

A member of the panel misheard what Denis Knowles said as prawn.

The meeting was adjourned to a later date.

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Wirral Council 17th October 2011 Part 1


Here’s the first twenty or so minutes of the full Council meeting on the 17th October 2011. Apologies for the sound quality in advance, but nearby Tweeters in the public gallery on their mobile phones unfortunately caused interference with the sound recording and with a full public gallery there was plenty of rustling of papers and coughing too.

Subtitles are included for the first minute or so of the meeting. It covers apologies for Cllr Bridson and Cllr Mountney & Mayor’s Communications, Declarations of Interest, petitions, minutes of the last meeting (18th July 2011), questions (one withdrawn and another from a councillor about foxes) and then part of item 5 (Leadership of the Council).

People that can be seen on the right in the video are, Mayor (Cllr. Moira McLaughlin), Deputy Mayor (Cllr. Gerry Ellis), Mayor’s Consort (Anna McLaughlin).

Also on the Conservative benches: Cllr Chris Blakeley, Cllr Jeff Green, Cllr Lesley Rennie and a few others.

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Standards Committee 29/9/2011 Part 14 Urgent Business – Correspondence Received by the Chair


Continued from Standards Committee 29/9/2011 Part 13

Cllr Chris Blakeley said it “needs more than five minutes to understand the ramifications” and asked when the next meeting was.
The answer given by Mrs. Shirley Hudsepth was the 30th November [2011].

Cllr Les Rowlands said there were no time issues.
Cllr Chris Blakeley said this needed to be conveyed to Mr. Morton.
Cllr Dave Mitchell said it was not fair on councillors.

Surjit Tour said the process was explained in the middle of August. However the letter had been delivered on the eve of the committee. The process had been communicated to individuals in the middle of August. There had been delay, Standards for England had decided in the middle of August (17th August).

Cllr Chris Blakeley said he was happy to consider it if he had the time to read it and digest it and give him justice.

The Chair Brian Cummings asked if everyone wanted a copy?

Surjit Tour said they should consider whether to make it exempt or not.

RESOLVED:  That Mr Morton’s correspondence be considered at the next meeting of the Committee scheduled for 30 November 2011 and he be informed of this decision.

The meeting finished.